STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1195-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.B. No. 3361

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred S.B. No. 3361 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RENEWABLE FUEL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to include oilseed cover crops in the Cover Crop Reimbursement Pilot Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Biotechnology Innovation Organization; Pacific Biodiesel; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that cover crops are known to increase pollinator health and biodiversity, improve soil health, and decrease soil erosion. The Cover Crop Reimbursement Pilot Program, established in 2022, reimburses farming operations for the costs of acquiring cover crop seeds, green manure, and compost. Your Committee finds that oilseed crops, such as camelina, carinata, pennycress, and sunflower, could also be used as cover crops and to locally produce more firm renewable energy and should therefore be included in the Pilot Program to advance the State's progress toward agricultural self-sufficiency, environmental health and a circular economy, and clean energy goals.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3361, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3361, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair